APC confirms Shettima as Tinubu's running mate for 2027 election
The APC has confirmed Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Tinubu's running mate for the 2027 election, predicting a landslide victory.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has confirmed Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Tinubu's running mate for the 2027 presidential election. The party's National Working Committee ratified the decision, which had been widely expected following months of speculation.
The APC also expressed confidence in a landslide victory, citing the administration's economic reforms, improved security and increased investment in infrastructure as key achievements that would resonate with voters. "The APC is united and ready for 2027. We are confident that Nigerians will reward President Tinubu's bold reforms with a resounding mandate," a party official said.
The confirmation of Shettima's candidacy underscores the party's commitment to maintaining the same ticket that won the 2023 election. The decision also reflects the party's strategy of retaining the Muslim-Muslim ticket, which has been a source of controversy since its announcement in 2022.
Shettima has been a loyal deputy to Tinubu, overseeing the administration's economic coordination efforts and serving as a key bridge between the Presidency and the northern electorate. His confirmation is expected to solidify the party's northern base while the administration continues to court voters in the South.
The opposition has criticised the decision, with the Nigeria Democratic Congress and the African Democratic Congress arguing that the APC's Muslim-Muslim ticket is insensitive to Nigeria's religious diversity. The APC has dismissed the criticism, pointing to the administration's record of inclusive appointments.
This echoes the 2022 selection of Shettima as running mate, which was also met with controversy but ultimately proved successful in the 2023 election. The mechanism then was different, but the result was the same: the APC betting that its record would outweigh concerns about religious balance.
The winners: President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima, who have secured the party's ticket; the APC, which has avoided a primary fight. The losers: the opposition parties, which face an incumbent ticket with incumbency advantage; and Nigerians who hoped for a more competitive election.
Bottom Line: Shettima is staying on the ticket. The APC is predicting a landslide. The opposition is preparing to prove them wrong. The 2027 campaign has begun.